Having your child participate in competitive gymnastics provides many great opportunities. Your gymnast will learn life skills, build strength, and gain memories that last a lifetime. Competitive gymnastics can be a big commitment, especially at the higher levels.
The sport requires time, money, dedication, and even sacrifices so it is important to find the right competitive team for you and your family. Below are 5 points of focus to consider when finding a gymnastics home for your athlete.
The first point of focus when choosing a competitive team should always be safety. As you know, there are risks that come with gymnastics. However, the risks can be minimized in a safe environment. When it comes to safety for your athlete you should look for a program that follows these guidelines:
Positive coaching is a must when it comes to youth sports. Positive coaching keeps children in the sport and builds their self-confidence and self worth while learning the game. Look for a program that has partnered with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) when selecting a team for your child. The PCA works with programs and teams to educate the coaches, parents, and athlete the importance of coaching the person first. Their focus is on building triple impact competitors, athletes who are committed to improving themselves, their team, and their sport. Positive coaching does not mean that the team doesn't also want to win, it just means they keep winning in perspective. The focus is on building better people and enjoyment for the sport which helps your athlete be successful on and off the competition floor.
Balance is another big consideration when selecting the right team for your athlete. You want to look for balance in several areas
Watch for the progress your child is making in the sport. Regardless of the program, Xcel or Junior Olympic, your daughter should make improvements over the course of the season. This doesn't always mean that they will be winning or moving up, but they should feel like they are accomplishing goals over the course of the year. Sometimes, the goals will be very small (possibly even unnoticeable by a spectator), but goals are goals. In addition, as a parent you should always feel comfortable asking your daughter's coach about the progress they are continuing to make.
One of the best ways to find a great competitive team program for your athlete is to watch the other athletes on the team. Do the athletes seem to be happy and productive or do they look discouraged. You want to find a program where your child enjoys going to practice. You want them to think of their teammates like family and you want them to respect their coaches. Gymnastics should be a fun activity. That's not to say there won't be tough days, but the best team programs will help you teach your child that working hard is a serious kind of fun!
If your child is at the beginning of their competitive career just getting ready to tryout, or if you are looking for a new gym to call home, take the time to research the five points above so you can find a happy gym home!